Funding approved for St James in budget U-turn

The manager of the venue had warned it could close without extra cash

Policy and Resources (P&R) has U-turned on its decision not to provide funding for a Guernsey cultural centre.

Education, Sport and Culture (ESC) has withdrawn a proposal to change P&R's budget and will grant an extra £151,000 to fund St James in St Peter Port.

The venue's manager Jon Bisson had warned without the funding the venue could close next year.

P&R has now said it will fund the facility, which hosts events including concerts, in its budget for 2025, which still requires the approval of the States.

ESC Vice-President Sam Haskins said this compromise came following constructive conversations with P&R.

He added: "I think P&R saw the mood music of our amendment and decided to make sure the money was there.

"It's part of our community and everyone can see the value St James provides."

Reacting to the news Mr Bisson said: "It is a one-year solution, which is not quite what we hoped for but it's great in really tight times I'm really thankful. It gives us time to do more planning and look at the longer term funding.

"2025 is our 40th anniversary and we'll push hard for funding again, but really the problem is to recruit someone to fill the missing posts.

"It's tough when you're only offering a year's employment."

He added the venue was looking at bringing bigger comedy acts over after the success of Dara Ó Briain and Al Murray this year.